Zaniolo became the youngest Italian in history to bag two goals in a Champions League game and although Roma were eventually eliminated by Porto in extra time, Real scouts were on hand not only to have a look at Éder Miliato, who joined the Bernabéu outfit for 50 million euros on Thursday, but also to take notes on Zaniolo, who has been the subject of interest from the LaLiga club since the 3-0 defeat Roma suffered in September in Madrid.

Zaniolo fits the bill laid out by the club’s technical staff: tall, young, with plenty of potential and an eye for goal. During the game in the Bernabéu, Eusebio Di Francesco started the young striker, who ran more than any of his teammates in the first half and gave a good account of himself. Two weeks later, he was called up for Italy by Roberto Mancini.

Monchi blocked January approach for Zaniolo

But it was against Porto that his full potential was displayed, his brace against the Portuguese giants coming in six second half minutes. He has also worked his way into Roma’s first team in Serie A this season, making 18 appearances and scoring three times.